If we lose to India and still win the tournament, that’s bigger achievement: Salman Ali Agha

Though Pakistan lost the final of the Tri-series against New Zealand, there was one positive outcome for them in the form of Salman Ali Agha. The all-rounder scored 219 runs in three games and was named as Player of the Series. As Pakistan is hosting the Champions Trophy 2025, the first-ever ICC (International Cricket Council) event since 1996, the team is under immense pressure to cater to the demands of fans and claim the trophy. 

Agha recently sat down for a chat with former Pakistan skipper, Salman Butt. As India will take on Pakistan on February 23, the mouthwatering clash makes the world stop and take notice of the action. With stakes high and being relatively new to the age-old cricket rivalry as a player, Agha stated that the result of the game will not have much impact as winning the title is team’s main goal. He also revealed his experience after being named Vice Captain of the team. 

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"Winning the Champions Trophy is the ultimate goal. Of course, we want to beat India, but if we lose to them and still win the tournament, that’s a bigger achievement,” said Agha on PCB podcast. 

"I’m really enjoying the role. It’s a new challenge, but I’m trying to balance it with my game,” he added. 

Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025: 

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Fixtures

February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
February 23: Pakistan vs India, Dubai
February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi